A Sister's Love & More Holiday Happiness

Before I get to my photo for the day I have to document this: the love of a sister. Brinley shares a room with Cougar ... not always an easy thing. Since he learned to climb out of his crib the bedtime ritual has grown to include putting him BACK in his crib numerous times, locking him inside the room (since he thinks it's a game to come out of the room, tease Kendyl on the bottom bunk in the other room, and run to hide from me when I discover he has escaped). The routine went as usual tonight. When I went to unlock the door and check on them, this is what I found:Cougar had apparently climbed out of his crib one last time without coming and yanking on the door to let me know he was out. I'm sure he then climbed up to play with Brinley, tried to snuggle in, and she gave up her bed ... pillow and all ... to her brother. She never complains about having to share a room with him. In fact, she feels "lucky" that she is the one who got "chosen" to share with him. I hope one day that Cougar understands just how much his big sister loves him and is willing to sacrifice for him.

Along with the sights and sounds of the holiday season I ANXIOUSLY await one other thing ... the *tastes* of the season!! November 1st signals the shelves being covered in all things mint chocolate. Oh, how this gives me pleasure!!! Dreyer's Slow Churned Peppermint ice cream is a staple in our freezer from the first time I see it in the grocery store freezer to the day I dry my tears because it is no longer there. I lose count of the number of bags of mint M&Ms we go through this time of year. I mourned the loss of mint Kit Kats last year - I checked every store in the area for them to no avail. Oh, and did I mention Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshakes from Chick-fil-A? Yup ... they're delish :) My ALL TIME fave this year was an unexpected find.Not only are they beyond delicious (so smooth, creamy, and perfectly minty) but they are *beautiful* ... a pearly metallic mint green color and chocolate brown. The best part about these little goodies? They are NOT only available during the holidays!!! I actually stumbled on them this summer and simply can't get enough. I'm pretty sure I buy a new package every time I am at Target (unless I already have a back-up in my pantry). The bad news about them? They are NOT only available during the holidays!!! Guess I'd better get running ... I hear my treadmill calling ;)